Tamura intends to stay with Hawks

FUKUOKA (Kyodo) Outfielder Hitoshi Tamura, who declared free agency from the Softbank Hawks, said on Wednesday he will remain with the Pacific League team next season.

“I realize that my team needs me. We will work out the details in further talks,” said Tamura, who is set to sign a four-year deal with Softbank that starts next season.

Tamura hit .334 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs, all team highs, and helped lead his team to its first pennant in seven years but the 33-year-old decided to test the free agent market at home and abroad before his decision to stay put.